An American couple was able to snag a home in Italy at a low price as part of an effort by depopulated Italian towns and villages to revive their communities. As part of the refurbishment required in the deal, the pair adding something unexpected that has proven popular with the local residents: a home elevator.
According to CNN, Massoud Ahmadi and Shelley Spencer, from Maryland, U.S., are the first to complete renovations on an abandoned home in the Italian town of Sambuca di Sicilia.
They purchased a 100-m2 palazzo in 2019 for €10,150 (around US$10,372) and quickly got to work on giving the property a dramatic facelift, finishing before the three-year deadline implemented by local authorities. Ahmadi and Spencer spent around US$250,000 transforming the property, and the standout feature is the indoor elevator the couple uses for the three levels. The elevator is not typical of the towns in the area, and “its glamorous interior design has caused quite a stir with locals,” according to the source.
Aside from the elevator, the house features a relaxation area, a guest suite, a master bedroom, and a living area with a modern open kitchen as well as several balconies and a panoramic terrace that overlooks the hills and Arancio Lake, located near to the ruined Arab fort Fortino di Mazzallakkar.
They couple plans to enjoy their investment by spliting their time between the U.S. and Italy, along with their daughter and grandchildren.
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